Why Montessori Materials, and Not Toys

By Alisa McCoy

Christmas morning is always a sight to behold at my house. I can picture the packages

strewn over the carpet, leaving only a small passage to the sofa. Ornately decorated boxes

obscured by the curtains, and small packages neatly tucked away under the tree. The

children awake to toy bears clanging cymbals and loud holiday music. Excitement and

anticipation fill the air. Glee erupts as dolls, games, clothes, crayons, beanie babies, and

chocolates are discovered. A single peaceful moment emerges as my nieces engage in

their game boy toys. Ironically, by late afternoon I suspect boredom. My nieces complain

that there is nothing to do. The American dolls, board games, and other “precious” toys

are haphazardly tossed into a pile in the corner of the family room. I can’t help but

contemplate what a wise and clever woman Maria Montessori was. A person who

developed material that children actively manipulate with tireless joy and wonder.

Consequently, I examined what it is about the Montessori material that causes children to

work with purpose, whereas the glamorous toys equipped with buzzers, switches, and

contraptions are untouched in a heap.